Florian Xhekaj had a great season in the OHL last year and could have NHL potential...
When the Montreal Canadiens picked Florian Xhekaj in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, some fans wondered if it was the right move to make and after his latest season with the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League, it would be hard to argue it wasn't.
In his draft year, the youngest Xhekaj had put up modest offensive numbers, gathering 25 points in 68 games and 76 penalty minutes. On his selection, Martin Lapointe, co-director of amateur scouting had this to say in June 2023:
-We know the family. We know Arber [Xhekaj]. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He's a guy who brings a lot of competitiveness in his game. He's a guy that's going to improve year after year. We believe in his talent, and he brings an added physical element to our team.
Being drafted by Montreal seemed to give him a huge confidence boost however and he tremendously improved last year. He racked up 65 points in 63 games and added 81 penalty minutes. All the while becoming more defensively responsible player going from a minus-17 rating to a plus-17 one.
One year on, Rob Ramage, director of player development had this to say about the forward:
-He had a great season last year, he started off on the wing and then they put him at center and he just took off. He's got the big frame like his brother he's six-foot-four. I think he's only weighting around 195-197, he's not going to be 240 like the Big Truck (brother Arber), but once again like so many of these guys the off ice right now is going to be really important. He's going to grow into it, you know there's a lot to like about this guy.
Ramage also admitted being surprised by Xhekaj's offensive explosion last season, especially since that wasn't what they drafted him for. He saw him play a lot and was impressed by how responsible he is on the ice. The director of player development added his hockey IQ is higher than anyone thought. He wouldn't confirm if he'd be heading to Laval, but said he was trending that way.
Right now, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Xhekaj brothers play together in the NHL. If the younger brother bulks up, he could end up as a very capable fourth-line player. I believe he may end up being part of an impact bottom line for the Canadiens. Of course, there is still the matter of finding two more players who would fit the bill, and as Tony Marinaro mentioned on his Sick Podcast last night, it's been a long time since Montreal had that kind of fourth line. Marinaro talked about the Brian Skrudland, Claude Lemieux and Mike McPhee line, getting that kind of fourth line would be fantastic for Montreal.
Personally, I really admired the New York Islanders' fourth line with Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas when the three players were in their prime. The "Identity Line" as it was nicknamed could hit the opponent but could also play hockey. We'll see how the youngest Xhekaj turns out, but so far, he's looking very good.